"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT FORGIVENESS"
Matthew 6:14 “For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.
Matthew 6:15 “But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
NKJV
Matthew 6:14 “If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you.
Matthew 6:15 But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins.
NLT
Some explanatory thoughts and application:
1. These verses come out of a the sermon on the mount, and out of what we commonly call the Lord's prayer, or as some have said, perhaps, it ought to called the Disciple's Prayer, because Jesus was teaching the Disciples how to pray.
2. This part of the prayer, actually comes after the teaching on prayer. In other words, Jesus taught about how to pray, but, then He went back and added these extra thoughts about the subject of forgiveness, which He had already taught on earlier.
3. He is of course dealing with the subject of forgiveness, and making some very serious and sobering statements about it.
4. He puts two thoughts together here. One, if you forgive men, then your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But, if you do not forgive men, neither will your Father forgive you.
5. The word trespasses, means, an offense, a lapse or deviation from truth and uprightness, a sin, misdeed. The word forgive means, to leave, let, forsake, let alone, to send away, to depart, yield up, to disregard, to give up, keep no longer.
6. Isn't it wonderful to know that God forgives us of our sins, and of our misdeeds. And, it's wonderful to know that He places such importance on our forgiving others. It's clear that He wants us to act towards others the way He has acted towards us.
7. It's very easy to go into asking all kinds of questions about what these verses mean. That is, they can be rather troubling to us. I won't go into that here, but, may I suggest that Jesus was not teaching us about this to stimulate all kinds of questions, rather, He was stating a truth about forgiveness, and He I'm certain would like us to just be forgivers. I think, that's the main point Be a forgiver just like He is a forgiver. Our God is a forgiving God, and He wants His children to show the same forgiveness to the rest of His children, and to others who may not even be His children.
A prayer:
Lord, Thank You for being a forgiving God. It's hard to imagine what it would be like to live without Your forgiveness. And, it's not to hard to know what it's like living with human beings, who do not apply what You are teaching us in these verses. May we take to heart Your Word, and by Your grace and power put into practice what You call us to do. Thank You for being the creator of the entire concept of forgiveness, it sure was not our idea, but Yours.
In Jesus name, amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
Saturday, November 30, 2013
Friday, November 29, 2013
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT FRIENDS, AND FALSE TEACHING"
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT FRIENDS, AND FALSE TEACHING"
1 Cor 15:33 Do not be deceived: “Evil company corrupts good habits.”
1 Cor 15:34 Awake to righteousness, and do not sin; for some do not have the knowledge of God. I speak this to your shame.
NKJV
1 Cor 15:33 Don’t be fooled by those who say such things, for “bad company corrupts good character.”
1 Cor 15:34 Come to your senses and stop sinning. For to your shame I say that some of you don’t even know God.
NLT
Some explanatory thoughts and application:
1. Paul is giving a warning here, "Do not be deceived, or Don't be fooled by people who are teaching false doctrine. In Corinth, there were those who were actually denying the fact of the resurrection.
2. Paul then explains that false doctrine will hurt you, it will corrupt your life, and your character. False doctrine is very, very dangerous.
3. Finally, in verse 34 Paul exhorts and encourages the believers in Corinth and us today, to "Awake to righteousness, or the right way of living, or Come to Your senses, and stop sinning. Again, two great thoughts.
4. Putting this into application for you and I today, here are some thoughts to consider.
(1) As Proverbs chapter 1 says, be careful who you hang out with. Watch who you become friends with. Pick your friends carefully. Or it could cost you in the end.
(2) The devil is out to fool you. He is a liar. And, he fools people by lying to them about the truth of Christ. The problem with being fooled, is that it can lead you down a path of destruction. It can ruin your life.
(3) The path to choose, is also stated, "Come to your senses, and start thinking the right way about everything. Let God lead you the right way through His Word. That will help your life, preserve your life, develop your life, make your life fruitful.
(4) Paul was also admonishing the church in Corinth, that it was to their shame that some of them did not even know God. Do you ever wonder how many people in your church, that attend regularly do not know God? I do.
(5) One final thing that Paul says, which is a great prescription when we are dealing with sin. It's not only and effective prescription, but it's true and effective if you are sinning. "Come to your senses and stop sinning"
(6) Now God would never say such a thing unless it was possible to do. We do what God calls us to do, not by our power, but by His power and grace.
A prayer:
Father, Your Word is so amazingly spot on with our lives. Friends, truth, character, danger, growth, truth etc, etc. Thank You for Your Word, and please give us continued desire to be in it, and to understand it, and to put it into practice so we can grow in the grace and the knowledge of Christ.
In Jesus name, amen
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
1 Cor 15:33 Do not be deceived: “Evil company corrupts good habits.”
1 Cor 15:34 Awake to righteousness, and do not sin; for some do not have the knowledge of God. I speak this to your shame.
NKJV
1 Cor 15:33 Don’t be fooled by those who say such things, for “bad company corrupts good character.”
1 Cor 15:34 Come to your senses and stop sinning. For to your shame I say that some of you don’t even know God.
NLT
Some explanatory thoughts and application:
1. Paul is giving a warning here, "Do not be deceived, or Don't be fooled by people who are teaching false doctrine. In Corinth, there were those who were actually denying the fact of the resurrection.
2. Paul then explains that false doctrine will hurt you, it will corrupt your life, and your character. False doctrine is very, very dangerous.
3. Finally, in verse 34 Paul exhorts and encourages the believers in Corinth and us today, to "Awake to righteousness, or the right way of living, or Come to Your senses, and stop sinning. Again, two great thoughts.
4. Putting this into application for you and I today, here are some thoughts to consider.
(1) As Proverbs chapter 1 says, be careful who you hang out with. Watch who you become friends with. Pick your friends carefully. Or it could cost you in the end.
(2) The devil is out to fool you. He is a liar. And, he fools people by lying to them about the truth of Christ. The problem with being fooled, is that it can lead you down a path of destruction. It can ruin your life.
(3) The path to choose, is also stated, "Come to your senses, and start thinking the right way about everything. Let God lead you the right way through His Word. That will help your life, preserve your life, develop your life, make your life fruitful.
(4) Paul was also admonishing the church in Corinth, that it was to their shame that some of them did not even know God. Do you ever wonder how many people in your church, that attend regularly do not know God? I do.
(5) One final thing that Paul says, which is a great prescription when we are dealing with sin. It's not only and effective prescription, but it's true and effective if you are sinning. "Come to your senses and stop sinning"
(6) Now God would never say such a thing unless it was possible to do. We do what God calls us to do, not by our power, but by His power and grace.
A prayer:
Father, Your Word is so amazingly spot on with our lives. Friends, truth, character, danger, growth, truth etc, etc. Thank You for Your Word, and please give us continued desire to be in it, and to understand it, and to put it into practice so we can grow in the grace and the knowledge of Christ.
In Jesus name, amen
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
Thursday, November 28, 2013
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE WHEN FACING THE IMPOSSIBLE"
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE WHEN FACING THE IMPOSSIBLE"
Matt 17:20 So Jesus said to them, “Because of your unbelief; for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you.
Matt 19:26 But Jesus looked at them and said to them, “With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”
Some explanatory thoughts and application:
1. You will notice that in each verse above, Jesus uses the word "Impossible" And, He speaks of moving a mountain.
2. The word impossible as it's used here, means, to not have the strength, or ability, to be weak, or can not be done.
3. So, let's look at each verse and see what Jesus was trying to convey. In Matt 17:20, Jesus is pointing out that the disciples had actually been in the state of "unbelief" and, that it was because of their unbelief, that they had not been able to help a man that had come to them seeking help. Jesus then went on to say, that if they had had, even a small amount of faith, they could have accomplished what needed to be done. He then went on to use the mountain moving illustration.
4. A mustard seed is one of the smallest seeds, and of course a mountain is large by comparison, even a small mountain is large. So, what was Jesus's point here. Was He actually saying you could move a mountain from one place to another? In a sense yes, and in a sense no. For example, God used Moses to part the Red Sea, which was an impossibility apart from Moses believing God, and God acting to part the sea. But, those kinds of things don't happen to regular people from day to day. But, what does happen to regular people, i.e Christians, is that we face mountain like situations very often. And, it's our choice to believe God to work in the situation, or to not, that is to be like the disciples and be in the state of unbelief.
5. It's helpful to remember, that Jesus was training the disciples to live a life of trusting in God, in the small things of life, and in the big and challenging things of life. God calls them "trials" And, what God wants us to do in our trials is to trust Him, believe Him, even if we only have a little bit of faith as it were, God can work in what seems like a mountain to us. He can get us through the trial, and will work in our lives, changing us, and giving us strength as it were, making us stronger as we go along.
6. The Lord in Matt 19:26, said, "But Jesus looked at them and said to them, “With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” He said that in answer to a question about how rich people could be saved, since it was nearly impossible for them to be saved, in light of how money can affect people, and influence them not to believe. But, Jesus said, what seems impossible to us, is not impossible to God. So, when we think of someone whom we think could never get saved for whatever reasons, we need to remember, that God does not see it that way. Nothing, or no one is an impossibility with God.
7. God has given to each of us a measure of faith. (Rom 12) And, He calls us to live by faith. Not just when things are going smoothly, but day by day, situation by situation, mountain by mountain as it were, trial by trial. He never changes, and He is alway faithful, and He honors and responds and rewards those who come to Him (even with their little mustard seed like faith) God will see you through, You can count on it, because He has promised to do that.
A prayer:
Father, You are many things, and one great thing, is that You are faithful, You are dependable. You cannot lie, and all of Your promises are true. You lead us by Your Word. We do not live on explanations, but on promises. And, You merely ask us to believe You. And, you give us more then a mustard seeds worth of faith as we grow, and that faith comes from our hearing, being in, and abiding in Your word. So, Lord, may we listen to You, and grow in our faith, and exercise our faith in the trials we encounter, and the mountains that we face.
In Jesus name, amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia.
Matt 17:20 So Jesus said to them, “Because of your unbelief; for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you.
Matt 19:26 But Jesus looked at them and said to them, “With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”
Some explanatory thoughts and application:
1. You will notice that in each verse above, Jesus uses the word "Impossible" And, He speaks of moving a mountain.
2. The word impossible as it's used here, means, to not have the strength, or ability, to be weak, or can not be done.
3. So, let's look at each verse and see what Jesus was trying to convey. In Matt 17:20, Jesus is pointing out that the disciples had actually been in the state of "unbelief" and, that it was because of their unbelief, that they had not been able to help a man that had come to them seeking help. Jesus then went on to say, that if they had had, even a small amount of faith, they could have accomplished what needed to be done. He then went on to use the mountain moving illustration.
4. A mustard seed is one of the smallest seeds, and of course a mountain is large by comparison, even a small mountain is large. So, what was Jesus's point here. Was He actually saying you could move a mountain from one place to another? In a sense yes, and in a sense no. For example, God used Moses to part the Red Sea, which was an impossibility apart from Moses believing God, and God acting to part the sea. But, those kinds of things don't happen to regular people from day to day. But, what does happen to regular people, i.e Christians, is that we face mountain like situations very often. And, it's our choice to believe God to work in the situation, or to not, that is to be like the disciples and be in the state of unbelief.
5. It's helpful to remember, that Jesus was training the disciples to live a life of trusting in God, in the small things of life, and in the big and challenging things of life. God calls them "trials" And, what God wants us to do in our trials is to trust Him, believe Him, even if we only have a little bit of faith as it were, God can work in what seems like a mountain to us. He can get us through the trial, and will work in our lives, changing us, and giving us strength as it were, making us stronger as we go along.
6. The Lord in Matt 19:26, said, "But Jesus looked at them and said to them, “With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” He said that in answer to a question about how rich people could be saved, since it was nearly impossible for them to be saved, in light of how money can affect people, and influence them not to believe. But, Jesus said, what seems impossible to us, is not impossible to God. So, when we think of someone whom we think could never get saved for whatever reasons, we need to remember, that God does not see it that way. Nothing, or no one is an impossibility with God.
7. God has given to each of us a measure of faith. (Rom 12) And, He calls us to live by faith. Not just when things are going smoothly, but day by day, situation by situation, mountain by mountain as it were, trial by trial. He never changes, and He is alway faithful, and He honors and responds and rewards those who come to Him (even with their little mustard seed like faith) God will see you through, You can count on it, because He has promised to do that.
A prayer:
Father, You are many things, and one great thing, is that You are faithful, You are dependable. You cannot lie, and all of Your promises are true. You lead us by Your Word. We do not live on explanations, but on promises. And, You merely ask us to believe You. And, you give us more then a mustard seeds worth of faith as we grow, and that faith comes from our hearing, being in, and abiding in Your word. So, Lord, may we listen to You, and grow in our faith, and exercise our faith in the trials we encounter, and the mountains that we face.
In Jesus name, amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia.
Wednesday, November 27, 2013
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT 2 BLESSINGS FROM THE LORD"
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT 2 BLESSINGS FROM THE LORD"
Luke 6:21 Blessed are you who hunger now, For you shall be filled. Blessed are you who weep now, For you shall laugh.
Some explanatory thoughts and application:
1. If you look closely, you can see the word "Blessed is used 2 times in this verse, and there are 2 promises made also.
2. The first blessing is associated with hunger, and the second blessing is associated with weeping.
3. At first blush, these blessings do not seem normal. Who is blessed or happy when they are hungry, and who is blessed, when they are weeping? They don't seem to go together. But, they actually do go together.
4. The hunger Jesus is speaking of here, is not physical hunger, but spiritual hunger. It's speaking of when we come to realize our need for God, our need for grace, forgiveness, mercy, love, strength, etc, etc. It can be translated, to crave ardently, to to seek with eager desire. The promise Jesus gives to those who are hungry for the things mentioned, hungry for God, is that God will fill them with Himself, with His grace, with His mercy, with His forgiveness, with His love, with His many blessings.
5. The word weep, means to mourn, to lament, to bewail, to weep as a sign of pain and grief because of some matter. There are many things that can cause us to weep and mourn. But, our God promises to bring laughter into our lives.
Psalms 30:5 For His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for life; Weeping may endure for a night, But joy comes in the morning.
6. Most likely, in this sermon of Jesus's ( which this verse is part of ) He is speaking of the person who comes to the place in their life where they are hungry for salvation, for God to save them, to receive God's righteousness, because they have come to realize that apart from Him, they cannot have what they need. Man cannot save Himself. Jesus is saying, I will fill you if you will place your faith in me. I will fill you will all that you need to be saved, and to become my child. "I'm the filler of hungry souls"
7. As to weeping and laughter. Well, it's the same basic spiritual reality as above. When a person truly comes to themselves, they come under the conviction of the Holy Spirit, there is a whole lot of weeping that goes on. It's a weeping over their sin. It's a weeping because they have come to realize they have sinned against God and against man. But, when the "weeper" places their faith in Christ, the tears turn into joy and laughter. The word laugh here means, "as a sign of joy or satisfaction" That's what the person receives who comes to Christ. Joy and satisfaction, their sins are forgiven.
8. One last thought here. These truths are not only for the person as they come to Christ for salvation, but they are real and true all through our lives here on earth. There is much hunger and weeping from time to time. And, the Lord is faithful to fill us, and He is faithful to bring us joy after our weeping. But, eventually, we will be filled with seeing Him in heaven, and laughing as never before, ( remember, laugh, means joy, or satisfaction. ) How joyful and satisfied will we be in heaven.
A prayer:
Father, You are so faithful, and You are so giving, and You are so completely able to provide what we need in our lives. You are the one who has filled us with eternal life, salvation, acceptance by Christ, forgiven of our sins. You are the one who places our tears in Your bottle (See Ps 56:8* You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book.) Thank You for Your blessings in our lives. We love You, in Jesus name, amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
Luke 6:21 Blessed are you who hunger now, For you shall be filled. Blessed are you who weep now, For you shall laugh.
Some explanatory thoughts and application:
1. If you look closely, you can see the word "Blessed is used 2 times in this verse, and there are 2 promises made also.
2. The first blessing is associated with hunger, and the second blessing is associated with weeping.
3. At first blush, these blessings do not seem normal. Who is blessed or happy when they are hungry, and who is blessed, when they are weeping? They don't seem to go together. But, they actually do go together.
4. The hunger Jesus is speaking of here, is not physical hunger, but spiritual hunger. It's speaking of when we come to realize our need for God, our need for grace, forgiveness, mercy, love, strength, etc, etc. It can be translated, to crave ardently, to to seek with eager desire. The promise Jesus gives to those who are hungry for the things mentioned, hungry for God, is that God will fill them with Himself, with His grace, with His mercy, with His forgiveness, with His love, with His many blessings.
5. The word weep, means to mourn, to lament, to bewail, to weep as a sign of pain and grief because of some matter. There are many things that can cause us to weep and mourn. But, our God promises to bring laughter into our lives.
Psalms 30:5 For His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for life; Weeping may endure for a night, But joy comes in the morning.
6. Most likely, in this sermon of Jesus's ( which this verse is part of ) He is speaking of the person who comes to the place in their life where they are hungry for salvation, for God to save them, to receive God's righteousness, because they have come to realize that apart from Him, they cannot have what they need. Man cannot save Himself. Jesus is saying, I will fill you if you will place your faith in me. I will fill you will all that you need to be saved, and to become my child. "I'm the filler of hungry souls"
7. As to weeping and laughter. Well, it's the same basic spiritual reality as above. When a person truly comes to themselves, they come under the conviction of the Holy Spirit, there is a whole lot of weeping that goes on. It's a weeping over their sin. It's a weeping because they have come to realize they have sinned against God and against man. But, when the "weeper" places their faith in Christ, the tears turn into joy and laughter. The word laugh here means, "as a sign of joy or satisfaction" That's what the person receives who comes to Christ. Joy and satisfaction, their sins are forgiven.
8. One last thought here. These truths are not only for the person as they come to Christ for salvation, but they are real and true all through our lives here on earth. There is much hunger and weeping from time to time. And, the Lord is faithful to fill us, and He is faithful to bring us joy after our weeping. But, eventually, we will be filled with seeing Him in heaven, and laughing as never before, ( remember, laugh, means joy, or satisfaction. ) How joyful and satisfied will we be in heaven.
A prayer:
Father, You are so faithful, and You are so giving, and You are so completely able to provide what we need in our lives. You are the one who has filled us with eternal life, salvation, acceptance by Christ, forgiven of our sins. You are the one who places our tears in Your bottle (See Ps 56:8* You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book.) Thank You for Your blessings in our lives. We love You, in Jesus name, amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
Tuesday, November 26, 2013
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT BEING BLESSED"
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT BEING BLESSED"
Luke 6:20 Then He lifted up His eyes toward His disciples, and said: “Blessed are you poor, For yours is the kingdom of God.
NKJV
Luke 6:20 Then Jesus turned to his disciples and said, “God blesses you who are poor, for the Kingdom of God is given to you.
NLT
Some explanatory thoughts and application:
1. Jesus uses one of His favorite words in talking to His disciples. It's the word "Blessed" meaning, Oh how happy.
2. It is important to make sure we understand, that this statement about happiness, was given to those who were following Him, and not to the multitudes, i.e those who did not believe in Him, and were not following Him.
3. So, if you are a believer in Jesus Christ, following Him, then this word Blessed, or Happy is for you.
4. It's also important to understand what Jesus meant when He said poor. It could be translated, beggar, destitute, lowly, helpless, powerless to accomplish an end. And, lacking in anything. Jesus was not saying that poor ( economically )people are blessed/
5. Rather, He is speaking to the person who has come to realize how poor and destitute they are of what it takes to be accepted by God, and go to heaven when they leave this world. In other words, He is speaking to the person who has truly come to realize that they are a sinner, and they have absolutely no hope of getting to heaven on their own. They realize their own sinfulness, and unrighteousness before God, and understand the judgement they deserve.
6. When a person comes this realization, they are then ready to call out to Jesus to save them, and then they become saved. Simple as that. When a person truly admits their sinfulness, turns to Jesus Christ, and believes in Him as Savior, and receives Him as their savior, calling upon Him to save them, then, they become saved.
7. The result of being saved is that theirs is the kingdom. They are now in God's kingdom, God's family, they are one of God's children, joint heirs with Jesus Christ.
6. And, that is why they are blessed. How much happier can a person be then to know that their sins are forgiven, and that they are now accepted by God through their faith in Jesus Christ, and will be with God when they leave this world.
A prayer:
Father, You are the dispenser of blessedness, of salvation, of forgiveness, of eternal life. We are the ones who are blessed as we receive Your grace, mercy and love in Christ. Thank You for sending Jesus to die for our sins, and thank You for opening our eyes to the truth of who we are, and of who You are, and of what You have done for us through Jesus Christ. We are grateful now, and will be forever and forever. Thank You Lord.
In Jesus' name,
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia.
Luke 6:20 Then He lifted up His eyes toward His disciples, and said: “Blessed are you poor, For yours is the kingdom of God.
NKJV
Luke 6:20 Then Jesus turned to his disciples and said, “God blesses you who are poor, for the Kingdom of God is given to you.
NLT
Some explanatory thoughts and application:
1. Jesus uses one of His favorite words in talking to His disciples. It's the word "Blessed" meaning, Oh how happy.
2. It is important to make sure we understand, that this statement about happiness, was given to those who were following Him, and not to the multitudes, i.e those who did not believe in Him, and were not following Him.
3. So, if you are a believer in Jesus Christ, following Him, then this word Blessed, or Happy is for you.
4. It's also important to understand what Jesus meant when He said poor. It could be translated, beggar, destitute, lowly, helpless, powerless to accomplish an end. And, lacking in anything. Jesus was not saying that poor ( economically )people are blessed/
5. Rather, He is speaking to the person who has come to realize how poor and destitute they are of what it takes to be accepted by God, and go to heaven when they leave this world. In other words, He is speaking to the person who has truly come to realize that they are a sinner, and they have absolutely no hope of getting to heaven on their own. They realize their own sinfulness, and unrighteousness before God, and understand the judgement they deserve.
6. When a person comes this realization, they are then ready to call out to Jesus to save them, and then they become saved. Simple as that. When a person truly admits their sinfulness, turns to Jesus Christ, and believes in Him as Savior, and receives Him as their savior, calling upon Him to save them, then, they become saved.
7. The result of being saved is that theirs is the kingdom. They are now in God's kingdom, God's family, they are one of God's children, joint heirs with Jesus Christ.
6. And, that is why they are blessed. How much happier can a person be then to know that their sins are forgiven, and that they are now accepted by God through their faith in Jesus Christ, and will be with God when they leave this world.
A prayer:
Father, You are the dispenser of blessedness, of salvation, of forgiveness, of eternal life. We are the ones who are blessed as we receive Your grace, mercy and love in Christ. Thank You for sending Jesus to die for our sins, and thank You for opening our eyes to the truth of who we are, and of who You are, and of what You have done for us through Jesus Christ. We are grateful now, and will be forever and forever. Thank You Lord.
In Jesus' name,
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia.
Monday, November 25, 2013
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT FAITH AND UNBELIEF"
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT FAITH AND UNBELIEF"
Matthew 17:20 So Jesus said to them, “Because of your unbelief; for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you.
Matthew 13:58 Now He did not do many mighty works there because of their unbelief.
Hebrews 3:19 So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief.
Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.
Some explanatory thoughts and application:
1. The issue in these verses has to do with 2 things, faith and unbelief. What faith will do, and what unbelief cannot do.
2. Jesus identified to His disciples why they had been unable to perform a certain ministry when asked to do so. Jesus in Matt 17:20, explained to them, that it was because of their unbelief. Unbelief in scripture means, to not believe God. The word unbelief itself, means, unfaithfulness, faithless, want of faith, and weakness of faith. Jesus was not chiding them, but He was explaining to them, what had happened. They had asked Him they were unable to minister as they expected, and did not. Simple, they did not believe. It was because of their unbelief.
3. The NLT renders Matt 17:20 this way, “You didn’t have enough faith,” Jesus told them. “I assure you, even if you had faith as small as a mustard seed you could say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it would move. Nothing would be impossible.”
4. Not having faith, actually can and will keep God from working as He would like to. Matthew 13:58 Now He did not do many mighty works there because of their unbelief. Normally Jesus did many mighty works, but in this case He did not, and the reason is given, it was because of a lack of faith. Faith, prevents if you will God from working. For example, a person could not and will not be saved, unless they believe. One must have faith in God for Him to save you. He never saves anyone who will not believe.
5. Unbelief, caused the children of Israel to not inherit the promised land when they were supposed to. The promised land by the way, is a type of the fruitful, and blessed life of the Christian, it's the picture of the Christian who believes God, and is then filled and led by the Spirit into the blessings that God has for them. Without faith in God, Christians live in a wilderness experience just as the children of Israel did for 40 years. Faith in God on the other hand, leads us into the will of God for our lives.
6. Please notice this verse again. Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. It's telling us what happens without faith. We cannot please God. The opposite is true also. That with faith we do please Him. And, for the person who comes to God, they must simply have faith in Him, believe Him, and the result is that He will reward Your life. Faith in God, will bring rewards. No faith in God, means we will not come to Him, and hence we will not be rewarded by Him.
A prayer:
Father, thank You for faith. Please keep us believing. Please give us faith. We know that faith comes to us through Your Word, thus, we need to be in Your Word. So, Lord, help us to get into Your Word, and to stay in Your Word. That's how we get faith, faith to believe You, and to see You do great and mighty works. And, Lord, keep us we pray from the sin of unbelief. Yes, it is a sin not to believe You. NLT Joh 16:9 The world’s sin is unbelief in me. So, Lord, keep us from unbelief.
And, Father, we also want to thank You for giving us faith through Your Word, may we hunger for Your Word, and read it, meditate in it, memorize it, believe it, and act upon it. We pray for those we know who are suffering needlessly, simply because they will not believe in You. God, we pray for them, and ask that You bring a life changing conviction into their lives.
Finally Lord, we pray for our church body, that each and every believer would grow in their faith, and that they would simply believe You. Trusting in You, for then Lord we know that You will do many great things for us, and in the lives of those around us.
We ask these things in Jesus’ name. Amen
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
Matthew 17:20 So Jesus said to them, “Because of your unbelief; for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you.
Matthew 13:58 Now He did not do many mighty works there because of their unbelief.
Hebrews 3:19 So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief.
Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.
Some explanatory thoughts and application:
1. The issue in these verses has to do with 2 things, faith and unbelief. What faith will do, and what unbelief cannot do.
2. Jesus identified to His disciples why they had been unable to perform a certain ministry when asked to do so. Jesus in Matt 17:20, explained to them, that it was because of their unbelief. Unbelief in scripture means, to not believe God. The word unbelief itself, means, unfaithfulness, faithless, want of faith, and weakness of faith. Jesus was not chiding them, but He was explaining to them, what had happened. They had asked Him they were unable to minister as they expected, and did not. Simple, they did not believe. It was because of their unbelief.
3. The NLT renders Matt 17:20 this way, “You didn’t have enough faith,” Jesus told them. “I assure you, even if you had faith as small as a mustard seed you could say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it would move. Nothing would be impossible.”
4. Not having faith, actually can and will keep God from working as He would like to. Matthew 13:58 Now He did not do many mighty works there because of their unbelief. Normally Jesus did many mighty works, but in this case He did not, and the reason is given, it was because of a lack of faith. Faith, prevents if you will God from working. For example, a person could not and will not be saved, unless they believe. One must have faith in God for Him to save you. He never saves anyone who will not believe.
5. Unbelief, caused the children of Israel to not inherit the promised land when they were supposed to. The promised land by the way, is a type of the fruitful, and blessed life of the Christian, it's the picture of the Christian who believes God, and is then filled and led by the Spirit into the blessings that God has for them. Without faith in God, Christians live in a wilderness experience just as the children of Israel did for 40 years. Faith in God on the other hand, leads us into the will of God for our lives.
6. Please notice this verse again. Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. It's telling us what happens without faith. We cannot please God. The opposite is true also. That with faith we do please Him. And, for the person who comes to God, they must simply have faith in Him, believe Him, and the result is that He will reward Your life. Faith in God, will bring rewards. No faith in God, means we will not come to Him, and hence we will not be rewarded by Him.
A prayer:
Father, thank You for faith. Please keep us believing. Please give us faith. We know that faith comes to us through Your Word, thus, we need to be in Your Word. So, Lord, help us to get into Your Word, and to stay in Your Word. That's how we get faith, faith to believe You, and to see You do great and mighty works. And, Lord, keep us we pray from the sin of unbelief. Yes, it is a sin not to believe You. NLT Joh 16:9 The world’s sin is unbelief in me. So, Lord, keep us from unbelief.
And, Father, we also want to thank You for giving us faith through Your Word, may we hunger for Your Word, and read it, meditate in it, memorize it, believe it, and act upon it. We pray for those we know who are suffering needlessly, simply because they will not believe in You. God, we pray for them, and ask that You bring a life changing conviction into their lives.
Finally Lord, we pray for our church body, that each and every believer would grow in their faith, and that they would simply believe You. Trusting in You, for then Lord we know that You will do many great things for us, and in the lives of those around us.
We ask these things in Jesus’ name. Amen
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
Saturday, November 23, 2013
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT WHAT GOD HAS FOR YOU TO DO"
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT WHAT GOD HAS FOR YOU TO DO"
Eph 2:10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.
Some explanatory thoughts and application:
1. One blessed thing to realize, right off the bat, is that God has already done something for us that no one else could do. He has saved us. The word "workmanship" and the phrase, "For we are His workmanship" have the idea of that which has been made, or the work of our creator, telling us that as saved people, it's the work of God. He has saved us. Workmanship, comes from a greek word Poiema, which is the same word we get our english word "poem" So, our being saved, from God's perspective, is that we are His poem. He is the artist if you will who has created this beautiful poem, you and I as believers. We are His poem.
2. Another repetition here by Paul, when he says, "Created in Christ Jesus" This seems to be speaking of the fact that we are new creatures as saved people. God has created us as born again people. We have been regenerated, or made alive again, not by our works, but by His Spirit.
Titus 3:5 He saved us, not because of the good things we did, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins and gave us a new life through the Holy Spirit. NLT
Titus 3:5 not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, NKJV
Regeneration, literally means, new birth, reproduction, renewal, recreation,
3. But to the theme of this Devo. "What God has for you to do?. It's stated in the Eph verse.
Eph 2:10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. Please notice in the last half of the verse, it says 2 things.
(1) For Good works, which God has prepared beforehand.
(2) That we should walk in them.
4. So, we can conclude, that God in times past, beforehand, I believe even before creation, prepared, or planned out good works or the good things He has for us to do, and He wants us to walk in them, or do them. Sometimes, we call this His will for our lives. And, we often say, and rightly so, that God has a will for our lives.
5. What are these good works? It would seem that there is both a general and a personal answer to that question. The general, would be to walk in obedience to His Word. Simply doing the things that God teaches us to do, and commands us to so. The personal would be the specifics of how He is directing each one of His children. What exactly does He have for you to do, in addition to walking and living as a disciple of Christ.
6. It's comforting to know that if we want to know, we can both ask Him for Wisdom, James 1:I5 f you need wisdom--if you want to know what God wants you to do--ask him, and he will gladly tell you. He will not resent your asking. NLT
A prayer:
Father, first of all, thank You for saving us. We would not do it on our own, You did it for us. By Your grace, so thank You. And, thank You for planning out, preparing a life for us to live, and works to do, and walk in. We would like to say this day, that we want to do what You have planned for us. We love You, and it's the only reasonable thing for us to do, in light of what You have done for us. Rom 12:1-2. So, Lord, please give us wisdom to do what You have for us. Show us Your will. And, in general, may we simply walk in Your ways this day.
In Jesus' name, amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Eph 2:10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.
Some explanatory thoughts and application:
1. One blessed thing to realize, right off the bat, is that God has already done something for us that no one else could do. He has saved us. The word "workmanship" and the phrase, "For we are His workmanship" have the idea of that which has been made, or the work of our creator, telling us that as saved people, it's the work of God. He has saved us. Workmanship, comes from a greek word Poiema, which is the same word we get our english word "poem" So, our being saved, from God's perspective, is that we are His poem. He is the artist if you will who has created this beautiful poem, you and I as believers. We are His poem.
2. Another repetition here by Paul, when he says, "Created in Christ Jesus" This seems to be speaking of the fact that we are new creatures as saved people. God has created us as born again people. We have been regenerated, or made alive again, not by our works, but by His Spirit.
Titus 3:5 He saved us, not because of the good things we did, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins and gave us a new life through the Holy Spirit. NLT
Titus 3:5 not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, NKJV
Regeneration, literally means, new birth, reproduction, renewal, recreation,
3. But to the theme of this Devo. "What God has for you to do?. It's stated in the Eph verse.
Eph 2:10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. Please notice in the last half of the verse, it says 2 things.
(1) For Good works, which God has prepared beforehand.
(2) That we should walk in them.
4. So, we can conclude, that God in times past, beforehand, I believe even before creation, prepared, or planned out good works or the good things He has for us to do, and He wants us to walk in them, or do them. Sometimes, we call this His will for our lives. And, we often say, and rightly so, that God has a will for our lives.
5. What are these good works? It would seem that there is both a general and a personal answer to that question. The general, would be to walk in obedience to His Word. Simply doing the things that God teaches us to do, and commands us to so. The personal would be the specifics of how He is directing each one of His children. What exactly does He have for you to do, in addition to walking and living as a disciple of Christ.
6. It's comforting to know that if we want to know, we can both ask Him for Wisdom, James 1:I5 f you need wisdom--if you want to know what God wants you to do--ask him, and he will gladly tell you. He will not resent your asking. NLT
A prayer:
Father, first of all, thank You for saving us. We would not do it on our own, You did it for us. By Your grace, so thank You. And, thank You for planning out, preparing a life for us to live, and works to do, and walk in. We would like to say this day, that we want to do what You have planned for us. We love You, and it's the only reasonable thing for us to do, in light of what You have done for us. Rom 12:1-2. So, Lord, please give us wisdom to do what You have for us. Show us Your will. And, in general, may we simply walk in Your ways this day.
In Jesus' name, amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Friday, November 22, 2013
"HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE FOR THOSE WANTING TO KNOW GOD'S WILL"
"HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE FOR THOSE WANTING TO KNOW GOD'S WILL"
Mark 3:35 “For whoever does the will of God is My brother and My sister and mother.”
Some explanatory thoughts and application:
1. The phrase "will of God" actually means that which pleases God. Isn't that interesting. God has something that pleases Him, and that's what He wants for our lives.
2. A believer has already done something of God's will when they first placed their faith in Christ to be saved. How do we know that? Because, God takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked. So, it's pleasing to Him when someone comes to faith, to say the least.
3. As believers, we can pray for the will of God to be done in our lives. Matt 6:10 Your kingdom come. Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven. What a wonderful prayer to pray.
4. There are also steps to take to find ourselves in the will of God. And, here they are in Rom 12:1-2
Rom 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.
Rom 12:2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
5. If you take a look at those verses, you will see that being in God's will starts with making ourselves available to God, and continues with our not being conformed to this world, but, calls us to be transformed by the renewing of our minds, (and then notice) that you may prove what is that good and acceptable will of God. That means, that you may know God's will personally.
6. Here's how this reads in the NLT
Rom 12:1 And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice-- the kind he will accept. When you think of what he has done for you, is this too much to ask?
Rom 12:2 Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will know what God wants you to do, and you will know how good and pleasing and perfect his will really is.
7. Please notice the very last sentence above, starting with "then you will know etc. That says it all.
A prayer:
Father, first of all, thank You for the fact that You are so interested in us, and that You have something that pleases You, for our lives. Your will. And, thank You for Your mercies by which we have been saved. We pray that we might by Your grace, and Your power follow the instruction given to us in Rom 12:1-2 We can attest to anyone who might ask, that there is nothing greater, and more satisfying in life, then to be right in the middle of Your will, walking in it day by day. And, one day, we will take our last step as it were down here on earth in Your will, and the next step will be our first step into heaven, right before Your face. We love You Lord. In Jesus name amen
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
Mark 3:35 “For whoever does the will of God is My brother and My sister and mother.”
Some explanatory thoughts and application:
1. The phrase "will of God" actually means that which pleases God. Isn't that interesting. God has something that pleases Him, and that's what He wants for our lives.
2. A believer has already done something of God's will when they first placed their faith in Christ to be saved. How do we know that? Because, God takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked. So, it's pleasing to Him when someone comes to faith, to say the least.
3. As believers, we can pray for the will of God to be done in our lives. Matt 6:10 Your kingdom come. Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven. What a wonderful prayer to pray.
4. There are also steps to take to find ourselves in the will of God. And, here they are in Rom 12:1-2
Rom 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.
Rom 12:2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
5. If you take a look at those verses, you will see that being in God's will starts with making ourselves available to God, and continues with our not being conformed to this world, but, calls us to be transformed by the renewing of our minds, (and then notice) that you may prove what is that good and acceptable will of God. That means, that you may know God's will personally.
6. Here's how this reads in the NLT
Rom 12:1 And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice-- the kind he will accept. When you think of what he has done for you, is this too much to ask?
Rom 12:2 Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will know what God wants you to do, and you will know how good and pleasing and perfect his will really is.
7. Please notice the very last sentence above, starting with "then you will know etc. That says it all.
A prayer:
Father, first of all, thank You for the fact that You are so interested in us, and that You have something that pleases You, for our lives. Your will. And, thank You for Your mercies by which we have been saved. We pray that we might by Your grace, and Your power follow the instruction given to us in Rom 12:1-2 We can attest to anyone who might ask, that there is nothing greater, and more satisfying in life, then to be right in the middle of Your will, walking in it day by day. And, one day, we will take our last step as it were down here on earth in Your will, and the next step will be our first step into heaven, right before Your face. We love You Lord. In Jesus name amen
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
Thursday, November 21, 2013
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE FOR THOSE WHO ARE WEEPING"
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE FOR THOSE WHO ARE WEEPING"
Luke 6:21b Blessed are you who weep now, For you shall laugh.
Some explanatory thoughts and application:
1. Blessed and weeping somehow don't seem to go together, but they do as far as believers are concerned.
2. The word blessed, means, to be happy. Simply that happy.
3. Jesus is saying to people who are weeping now, that they will laugh. The word laugh as it's used here, means, joy or satisfaction.
4. The word weep as it's used here means, to mourn, to be weeping as a sign of pain and grief, to bewail.
5. Christians and non Christians weep, but, for the Christian, there is the promise of laughter, or joy, but not so for the non believer. Not at all.
6. The joy does not only come when we get to heaven, but may I say, what joy it will be when we get there, but it can come now, and it does. Let me share a Scripture with you that speaks to this.
Ps 30:5 His anger lasts for a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime! Weeping may go on all night, but joy comes with the morning.
7. The Lord in the above verse speaks clearly about the fact that weeping can go on for along time, "all night" as it were. But, He also says that joy comes in the morning. Maybe not tomorrow morning, but sometime in the future.
8. God promises to work whatever it is that you are going through that may be causing you to weep, to work together for your good. Just like Joseph said in the Bible, Gen 50:20 " As far as I am concerned, God turned into good what you meant for evil. He brought me to the high position I have today so I could save the lives of many people."
A prayer:
Father, there is no one like You. You are above all. And, You are all powerful, and all knowing. We pray right now for those who are weeping today, weeping in the quietness of their homes, or places of work, or in their hearts, or before they left home today, or when they come home today, we pray for them, that You O Lord would pour Your Word into their hearts, and bring them comfort.
Send them a email from a friend, that brings encouragement, put it on a friends heart to just call and say hello, and I love you, and we are praying for you. Lord do something, even if it's through a complete stranger, to bring some comfort.
But, most of all Lord, help them to remember, that one day, all the weeping will be over, no more tears, no more paining, only unspeakable joy and gladness in heaven with you. And, Lord help them and us to rejoice right now in the wonderful hope we have in Christ. In Jesus name.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
Luke 6:21b Blessed are you who weep now, For you shall laugh.
Some explanatory thoughts and application:
1. Blessed and weeping somehow don't seem to go together, but they do as far as believers are concerned.
2. The word blessed, means, to be happy. Simply that happy.
3. Jesus is saying to people who are weeping now, that they will laugh. The word laugh as it's used here, means, joy or satisfaction.
4. The word weep as it's used here means, to mourn, to be weeping as a sign of pain and grief, to bewail.
5. Christians and non Christians weep, but, for the Christian, there is the promise of laughter, or joy, but not so for the non believer. Not at all.
6. The joy does not only come when we get to heaven, but may I say, what joy it will be when we get there, but it can come now, and it does. Let me share a Scripture with you that speaks to this.
Ps 30:5 His anger lasts for a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime! Weeping may go on all night, but joy comes with the morning.
7. The Lord in the above verse speaks clearly about the fact that weeping can go on for along time, "all night" as it were. But, He also says that joy comes in the morning. Maybe not tomorrow morning, but sometime in the future.
8. God promises to work whatever it is that you are going through that may be causing you to weep, to work together for your good. Just like Joseph said in the Bible, Gen 50:20 " As far as I am concerned, God turned into good what you meant for evil. He brought me to the high position I have today so I could save the lives of many people."
A prayer:
Father, there is no one like You. You are above all. And, You are all powerful, and all knowing. We pray right now for those who are weeping today, weeping in the quietness of their homes, or places of work, or in their hearts, or before they left home today, or when they come home today, we pray for them, that You O Lord would pour Your Word into their hearts, and bring them comfort.
Send them a email from a friend, that brings encouragement, put it on a friends heart to just call and say hello, and I love you, and we are praying for you. Lord do something, even if it's through a complete stranger, to bring some comfort.
But, most of all Lord, help them to remember, that one day, all the weeping will be over, no more tears, no more paining, only unspeakable joy and gladness in heaven with you. And, Lord help them and us to rejoice right now in the wonderful hope we have in Christ. In Jesus name.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE CONCERNING GOD'S GRACE"
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE CONCERNING GOD'S GRACE"
Acts 20:32 “So now, brethren, I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified.
Heb 10:29 Of how much worse punishment, do you suppose, will he be thought worthy who has trampled the Son of God underfoot, counted the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified a common thing, and insulted the Spirit of grace?
Heb 4:16 Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
1 Peter 5:10 But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you.
Some explanatory thoughts and application:
1. Grace of course means, God's unmerited favor. It is as pastor/author Warren Wiersbe said, "God's grace is God's provision for our every need. God's grace is not a mystical substance, that God pours into us when we have a need. Grace, is God's bountiful supply for our every need. Law means that I must do something for God, but grace means, that God does something for me. Grace cannot be deserved. Grace cannot be earned. Grace can only be given"
2. There are several things said here about grace, that is, about the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. All for our benefit and help.
3. Jesus is called the Word of His grace. See Acts 20:32 above. And, Paul was commending, or encouraging the Ephesian elders, to be committed to or presented to or set before Jesus, the Word of His grace. He also tells us what the Word of His grace, "Jesus" is able to do. He is able to build us up, and to give us an inheritance among all those who are sanctified, or set apart to God, by faith in Jesus Christ.
4. The Holy Spirit is spoken of in Heb 10:29, and called, "The Spirit of grace" This third person of the Trinity then, is given this wonderful name, "The Spirit of Grace" He is also called the Helper.
5. Notice the wonderful truth and invitation, and promise given to us in Heb 4:16 Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
6. Finally, we have a beautiful name given to us about God. In 1st Peter 5:10, He is called the God of all grace. And, this name is given in connection with His calling in our lives, He has called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, ( that is, by our faith in Christ for salvation ) Then, the subject of suffering is brought up. That God in His grace, will do a number of things in your life. He will perfect, establish, strengthen and settle you.
7. Here's how the above verse from 1st Peter 5:10 reads in the NLT. In his kindness God called you to his eternal glory by means of Jesus Christ. After you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation.
7. Here's how the above verse from 1st Peter 5:10 reads in the NLT. In his kindness God called you to his eternal glory by means of Jesus Christ. After you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation.
8. So, then, to round it all off, God is indeed the God of grace, the Son is gracious, the Spirit is gracious, and our Father is also.
A prayer:
Father, Son and Holy Spirit, we are the blessed recipients of Your favor. We do not deserve the grace you give. We did not earn it, nor could we ever. You have not given us justice, which we deserve, but, You have given us mercy and grace. Thank You.
We will for all eternity be glorifying You for what you do, and what You have done. Thank You.
We will for all eternity be glorifying You for what you do, and what You have done. Thank You.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
Calvary Chapel Visalia
Tuesday, November 19, 2013
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE FOR THOSE WHO NEED A HEALING"
Luke 6:6 Now it happened on another Sabbath, also, that He entered the synagogue and taught. And a man was there whose right hand was withered.
Luke 6:7 So the scribes and Pharisees watched Him closely, whether He would heal on the Sabbath, that they might find an accusation against Him.
Luke 6:8 But He knew their thoughts, and said to the man who had the withered hand, “Arise and stand here.” And he arose and stood.
Luke 6:9 Then Jesus said to them, “I will ask you one thing: Is it lawful on the Sabbath to do good or to do evil, to save life or to destroy?”
Luke 6:10 And when He had looked around at them all, He said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” And he did so, and his hand was restored as whole as the other.
Luke 6:11 But they were filled with rage, and discussed with one another what they might do to Jesus.
Some explanatory thoughts and application:
1. When Jesus came into the synagogue, there was a man with a withered, or paralyzed hand.
2. It's interesting to note that the haters of Jesus were watching Him, to see if He would heal the man on the Sabbath. This tells us that they knew Jesus would generally be drawn to people in need, and would heal them, or teach them, or help them in some way. He is the same today by the way. He is drawn to weakness and need.
3. Jesus wound up healing the man, to the dislike of the Jesus haters as I like to call them. (they needed salvation but did not realize it) There are many, many people like that today.
4. Jesus spoke to the man and actually asked him to do something he could not do. "Stretch out your hand" That was an impossible thing for him to do, given that he was paralyzed. But, in a sense, a very real sense, the Lord was calling the man to exercise faith. And, the result was that Jesus healed Him.
5. It's certainly true that God does not choose to heal everyone, that's very clear. We don't need to wonder or question Him about it, that's all within His prerogative. But, what we can do, is ask Him to heal us. We can ask Him to heal others. And, we can exercise faith, and encourage others to exercise their faith, and then we can leave the results up to Him.
6. Do you need healing? Do you desire healing from God? Do you know someone who needs healing? Let's remember, that Jesus knows about the need, and as mentioned, He is drawn to the need as it were. He was and is known to be the healer, of both bodies, and of course souls. Let's pray right now.
Our prayer for healing:
Lord, as we pray this prayer, we may have ourselves in mind, a spouse, a child, a family member, a friend, a relative, a co-worker, a fellow church member, a neighbor, or some other person. You know them, You know their condition, and we ask You to extend Your power and Your grace into their lives to bring healing to them. They have a measure of faith, just as the man in the story did. We have a measure of faith. You have given that to each one of us. And, right now, we are exercising that faith by praying and asking You to heal. We ask it of You, in Your own name, Amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
Luke 6:6 Now it happened on another Sabbath, also, that He entered the synagogue and taught. And a man was there whose right hand was withered.
Luke 6:7 So the scribes and Pharisees watched Him closely, whether He would heal on the Sabbath, that they might find an accusation against Him.
Luke 6:8 But He knew their thoughts, and said to the man who had the withered hand, “Arise and stand here.” And he arose and stood.
Luke 6:9 Then Jesus said to them, “I will ask you one thing: Is it lawful on the Sabbath to do good or to do evil, to save life or to destroy?”
Luke 6:10 And when He had looked around at them all, He said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” And he did so, and his hand was restored as whole as the other.
Luke 6:11 But they were filled with rage, and discussed with one another what they might do to Jesus.
Some explanatory thoughts and application:
1. When Jesus came into the synagogue, there was a man with a withered, or paralyzed hand.
2. It's interesting to note that the haters of Jesus were watching Him, to see if He would heal the man on the Sabbath. This tells us that they knew Jesus would generally be drawn to people in need, and would heal them, or teach them, or help them in some way. He is the same today by the way. He is drawn to weakness and need.
3. Jesus wound up healing the man, to the dislike of the Jesus haters as I like to call them. (they needed salvation but did not realize it) There are many, many people like that today.
4. Jesus spoke to the man and actually asked him to do something he could not do. "Stretch out your hand" That was an impossible thing for him to do, given that he was paralyzed. But, in a sense, a very real sense, the Lord was calling the man to exercise faith. And, the result was that Jesus healed Him.
5. It's certainly true that God does not choose to heal everyone, that's very clear. We don't need to wonder or question Him about it, that's all within His prerogative. But, what we can do, is ask Him to heal us. We can ask Him to heal others. And, we can exercise faith, and encourage others to exercise their faith, and then we can leave the results up to Him.
6. Do you need healing? Do you desire healing from God? Do you know someone who needs healing? Let's remember, that Jesus knows about the need, and as mentioned, He is drawn to the need as it were. He was and is known to be the healer, of both bodies, and of course souls. Let's pray right now.
Our prayer for healing:
Lord, as we pray this prayer, we may have ourselves in mind, a spouse, a child, a family member, a friend, a relative, a co-worker, a fellow church member, a neighbor, or some other person. You know them, You know their condition, and we ask You to extend Your power and Your grace into their lives to bring healing to them. They have a measure of faith, just as the man in the story did. We have a measure of faith. You have given that to each one of us. And, right now, we are exercising that faith by praying and asking You to heal. We ask it of You, in Your own name, Amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
"HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE FOR THOSE FACING CRITICISM BY OTHERS"
"HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE FOR THOSE FACING CRITICISM BY OTHERS"
Luke 6:1 Now it happened on the second Sabbath after the first that He went through the grainfields. And His disciples plucked the heads of grain and ate them, rubbing them in their hands.
Luke 6:2 And some of the Pharisees said to them, “Why are you doing what is not lawful to do on the Sabbath?”
Luke 6:3 But Jesus answering them said, “Have you not even read this, what David did when he was hungry, he and those who were with him:
Luke 6:4 “how he went into the house of God, took and ate the showbread, and also gave some to those with him, which is not lawful for any but the priests to eat?”
Luke 6:5 And He said to them, “The Son of Man is also Lord of the Sabbath.”
Some explanatory thoughts and application:
1. It's comforting to know that Jesus faced the same things, time and time again. The Scriptures above are a classic example of a particular time when He was being criticized.
2. The critics of Jesus, and the critics of God's people are generally of the same mind set. They are people who self righteous, and not walking in the grace and love of God. Thus you have the Pharisees as a classic example.
3. They were fault finders. Always looking for faults in Jesus and His disciples. On the other hand, Jesus is the fault forgiver, and the fault fixer.
4. One other thing about Jesus is that He always stood up for His disciples, and He will stand up for you as well if you let Him.
5. The way that Jesus stands up for You is through the truth of His Word. He will show You just as He did in the verses above, what is true and what is not. Ask Him to help you the next time (or maybe at this time if you are the object of some critic’s.)
6. Essentially what Jesus was saying to His critics, is that He, Himself was the Lord over all, and that the things of God have been given to man, for man's blessing and encouragement, not to make His life a burden.
7. So, remember, You have Jesus in your life. He is Lord of all. He if for You, He will help You, He will defend You, He will keep You, and He will protect You.
Pray for your critics, and ask God to help them see the Love God has for them, and the love that God calls them and all of us to walk in.
He is the judge, we are not called to condemn others. We are called to encourage, and love others, to build them up and help them know and walk with God.
A prayer:
Lord, we ourselves have no doubt been critics many, many times. We pray for You to forgive us of our being fault finders. Help us to be fault helpers, to point people to You the one who fixes lives, and fixes faults. May we be more like You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia.
Luke 6:1 Now it happened on the second Sabbath after the first that He went through the grainfields. And His disciples plucked the heads of grain and ate them, rubbing them in their hands.
Luke 6:2 And some of the Pharisees said to them, “Why are you doing what is not lawful to do on the Sabbath?”
Luke 6:3 But Jesus answering them said, “Have you not even read this, what David did when he was hungry, he and those who were with him:
Luke 6:4 “how he went into the house of God, took and ate the showbread, and also gave some to those with him, which is not lawful for any but the priests to eat?”
Luke 6:5 And He said to them, “The Son of Man is also Lord of the Sabbath.”
Some explanatory thoughts and application:
1. It's comforting to know that Jesus faced the same things, time and time again. The Scriptures above are a classic example of a particular time when He was being criticized.
2. The critics of Jesus, and the critics of God's people are generally of the same mind set. They are people who self righteous, and not walking in the grace and love of God. Thus you have the Pharisees as a classic example.
3. They were fault finders. Always looking for faults in Jesus and His disciples. On the other hand, Jesus is the fault forgiver, and the fault fixer.
4. One other thing about Jesus is that He always stood up for His disciples, and He will stand up for you as well if you let Him.
5. The way that Jesus stands up for You is through the truth of His Word. He will show You just as He did in the verses above, what is true and what is not. Ask Him to help you the next time (or maybe at this time if you are the object of some critic’s.)
6. Essentially what Jesus was saying to His critics, is that He, Himself was the Lord over all, and that the things of God have been given to man, for man's blessing and encouragement, not to make His life a burden.
7. So, remember, You have Jesus in your life. He is Lord of all. He if for You, He will help You, He will defend You, He will keep You, and He will protect You.
Pray for your critics, and ask God to help them see the Love God has for them, and the love that God calls them and all of us to walk in.
He is the judge, we are not called to condemn others. We are called to encourage, and love others, to build them up and help them know and walk with God.
A prayer:
Lord, we ourselves have no doubt been critics many, many times. We pray for You to forgive us of our being fault finders. Help us to be fault helpers, to point people to You the one who fixes lives, and fixes faults. May we be more like You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia.
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE FOR THOSE WHO HAVE TO MAKE IMPORTANT DECISIONS"
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE FOR THOSE WHO HAVE TO MAKE IMPORTANT DECISIONS"
Luke 6:12 Now it came to pass in those days that He went out to the mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God.
Luke 6:13 And when it was day, He called His disciples to Himself; and from them He chose twelve whom He also named apostles:
Luke 6:14 Simon, whom He also named Peter, and Andrew his brother; James and John; Philip and Bartholomew;
Luke 6:15 Matthew and Thomas; James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon called the Zealot;
Luke 6:16 Judas the son of James, and Judas Iscariot who also became a traitor.
Some explanatory thoughts and applications:
1. The first thing that strikes us from this passage, is that Jesus prayed before He chose whom He would name apostles.
2. Luke's gospel presents Jesus to us as man. And, as a man, He prayed. He prayed at various times, for various needs. And, here, we find Him praying, and not only praying, but praying all night to God about whom He would choose to be His apostles.
3. Needless to say, if Jesus felt the need to pray when making decisions, there's no doubt about it, but we ought to follow His example. We ought to pray also about what lays ahead of us and seek God's wisdom and direction.
4. God promises to hear our prayers, and He promises to give us wisdom.
5. If you are like me, you probably wished you were more like Jesus in this area of prayer, and followed His example of decision making.
6. The good news is, that we can follow Jesus's example, we can pray, we can talk to God, and we can be confident, that He will lead us in making the decisions that He wants us to make.nAfter all that's really the purpose of prayer anyways isn't it. Prayer is to find God's will, not to try and make God do our will. We get that mixed up and turned around a lot.
7. So, are you facing a decision right now? And, You are wondering what decision do I make.? Well, let's put or faith into action, and, let's do what Jesus did. let's pray.
Our prayer for the decisions that lie ahead:
Father, thank You for the example Jesus is to us. And, thank You that You have promised to hear us, to answer us, to guide us in our decisions. It's interesting to note that one of the apostles, turned out to be a traitor, Judas, the name that is never thought of well.
Even in our decision making Lord, even after prayer, there may be things that surprise us.
But, even Judas was part of your plan. We trust You to draw us into Your will, and when the surprises do come along, help us to remember that we have prayed, and, that You have some purpose in mind. In Jesus name. Amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
Luke 6:12 Now it came to pass in those days that He went out to the mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God.
Luke 6:13 And when it was day, He called His disciples to Himself; and from them He chose twelve whom He also named apostles:
Luke 6:14 Simon, whom He also named Peter, and Andrew his brother; James and John; Philip and Bartholomew;
Luke 6:15 Matthew and Thomas; James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon called the Zealot;
Luke 6:16 Judas the son of James, and Judas Iscariot who also became a traitor.
Some explanatory thoughts and applications:
1. The first thing that strikes us from this passage, is that Jesus prayed before He chose whom He would name apostles.
2. Luke's gospel presents Jesus to us as man. And, as a man, He prayed. He prayed at various times, for various needs. And, here, we find Him praying, and not only praying, but praying all night to God about whom He would choose to be His apostles.
3. Needless to say, if Jesus felt the need to pray when making decisions, there's no doubt about it, but we ought to follow His example. We ought to pray also about what lays ahead of us and seek God's wisdom and direction.
4. God promises to hear our prayers, and He promises to give us wisdom.
5. If you are like me, you probably wished you were more like Jesus in this area of prayer, and followed His example of decision making.
6. The good news is, that we can follow Jesus's example, we can pray, we can talk to God, and we can be confident, that He will lead us in making the decisions that He wants us to make.nAfter all that's really the purpose of prayer anyways isn't it. Prayer is to find God's will, not to try and make God do our will. We get that mixed up and turned around a lot.
7. So, are you facing a decision right now? And, You are wondering what decision do I make.? Well, let's put or faith into action, and, let's do what Jesus did. let's pray.
Our prayer for the decisions that lie ahead:
Father, thank You for the example Jesus is to us. And, thank You that You have promised to hear us, to answer us, to guide us in our decisions. It's interesting to note that one of the apostles, turned out to be a traitor, Judas, the name that is never thought of well.
Even in our decision making Lord, even after prayer, there may be things that surprise us.
But, even Judas was part of your plan. We trust You to draw us into Your will, and when the surprises do come along, help us to remember that we have prayed, and, that You have some purpose in mind. In Jesus name. Amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE CONCERNING GOD'S GRACE"
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE CONCERNING GOD'S GRACE"
Acts 20:32 “So now, brethren, I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified.
Heb 10:29 Of how much worse punishment, do you suppose, will he be thought worthy who has trampled the Son of God underfoot, counted the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified a common thing, and insulted the Spirit of grace?
Heb 4:16 Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
1 Peter 5:10 But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you.
Some explanatory thoughts and application:
1. Grace of course means, God's unmerited favor. It is as pastor/author Warren Wiersbe said, "God's grace is God's provision for our every need. God's grace is not a mystical substance, that God pours into us when we have a need. Grace, is God's bountiful supply for our every need. Law means that I must do something for God, but grace means, that God does something for me. Grace cannot be deserved. Grace cannot be earned. Grace can only be given"
2. There are several things said here about grace, that is, about the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. All for our benefit and help.
3. Jesus is called the Word of His grace. See Acts 20:32 above. And, Paul was commending, or encouraging the Ephesian elders, to be committed to or presented to or set before Jesus, the Word of His grace. He also tells us what the Word of His grace, "Jesus" is able to do. He is able to build us up, and to give us an inheritance among all those who are sanctified, or set apart to God, by faith in Jesus Christ.
4. The Holy Spirit is spoken of in Heb 10:29, and called, "The Spirit of grace" This third person of the Trinity then, is given this wonderful name, "The Spirit of Grace" He is also called the Helper.
5. Notice the wonderful truth and invitation, and promise given to us in Heb 4:16 Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
6. Finally, we have a beautiful name given to us about God. In 1st Peter 5:10, He is called the God of all grace. And, this name is given in connection with His calling in our lives, He has called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, ( that is, by our faith in Christ for salvation ) Then, the subject of suffering is brought up. That God in His grace, will do a number of things in your life. He will perfect, establish, strengthen and settle you.
7. Here's how the above verse from 1st Peter 5:10 reads in the NLT. In his kindness God called you to his eternal glory by means of Jesus Christ. After you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation.
8. So, then, to round it all off, God is indeed the God of grace, the Son is gracious, the Spirit is gracious, and our Father is also.
A prayer:
Father, Son and Holy Spirit, we are the blessed recipients of Your favor. We do not deserve the grace you give. We did not earn it, nor could we ever. You have not given us justice, which we deserve, but, You have given us mercy and grace. Thank You.
We will for all eternity be glorifying You for what you do, and what You have done. Thank You.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
Acts 20:32 “So now, brethren, I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified.
Heb 10:29 Of how much worse punishment, do you suppose, will he be thought worthy who has trampled the Son of God underfoot, counted the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified a common thing, and insulted the Spirit of grace?
Heb 4:16 Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
1 Peter 5:10 But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you.
Some explanatory thoughts and application:
1. Grace of course means, God's unmerited favor. It is as pastor/author Warren Wiersbe said, "God's grace is God's provision for our every need. God's grace is not a mystical substance, that God pours into us when we have a need. Grace, is God's bountiful supply for our every need. Law means that I must do something for God, but grace means, that God does something for me. Grace cannot be deserved. Grace cannot be earned. Grace can only be given"
2. There are several things said here about grace, that is, about the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. All for our benefit and help.
3. Jesus is called the Word of His grace. See Acts 20:32 above. And, Paul was commending, or encouraging the Ephesian elders, to be committed to or presented to or set before Jesus, the Word of His grace. He also tells us what the Word of His grace, "Jesus" is able to do. He is able to build us up, and to give us an inheritance among all those who are sanctified, or set apart to God, by faith in Jesus Christ.
4. The Holy Spirit is spoken of in Heb 10:29, and called, "The Spirit of grace" This third person of the Trinity then, is given this wonderful name, "The Spirit of Grace" He is also called the Helper.
5. Notice the wonderful truth and invitation, and promise given to us in Heb 4:16 Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
6. Finally, we have a beautiful name given to us about God. In 1st Peter 5:10, He is called the God of all grace. And, this name is given in connection with His calling in our lives, He has called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, ( that is, by our faith in Christ for salvation ) Then, the subject of suffering is brought up. That God in His grace, will do a number of things in your life. He will perfect, establish, strengthen and settle you.
7. Here's how the above verse from 1st Peter 5:10 reads in the NLT. In his kindness God called you to his eternal glory by means of Jesus Christ. After you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation.
8. So, then, to round it all off, God is indeed the God of grace, the Son is gracious, the Spirit is gracious, and our Father is also.
A prayer:
Father, Son and Holy Spirit, we are the blessed recipients of Your favor. We do not deserve the grace you give. We did not earn it, nor could we ever. You have not given us justice, which we deserve, but, You have given us mercy and grace. Thank You.
We will for all eternity be glorifying You for what you do, and what You have done. Thank You.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
Thursday, November 14, 2013
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE FOR THOSE NEEDING POWER"
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE FOR THOSE NEEDING POWER"
Eph 5:18 And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit,
Eph 5:18 Don’t be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, let the Holy Spirit fill and control you. NLT Version.
Some explanatory thoughts and application:
1. The Lord was telling the Ephesians, and us, what not to do in our lives. And, that is to be drunk, or intoxicated with wine.
2. The reason is because, getting drunk will ruin your life.
3. But, please notice what the Lord does say to do. Eph 5:18b Instead, let the Holy Spirit fill and control you. NLT Version.
4. When we are controlled by the Holy Spirit, we will find the Lord giving us His power in our lives.
5. His power helps us to deal with our sins, to turn away from them, and to turn to Him, and to obey Him, and to serve Him, and to find the basic power we need to live the Christian life. God's power will stimulate our souls in the right way.
6. It's helpful and interesting to note, that Eph 5:18, is not given to us in the form of a suggestion, but rather, in the form of a command. It literally means, that we are to be being filled with the Spirit. That is, each one of us, day by day, hour by hour, are to allow the Holy Spirit to control our lives. How do we do this.? Good question. One sure answer is to simply obey the promptings of the Lord, the clear things we see and read, and hear in the Word, in other words, just follow Jesus. You will find Him giving you power.
A Prayer:
Our Father who is in heaven, and helps us here on earth, we want to just pause and say that we hallow Your name, we want You to be lifted up in our lives, and we thank You for being so kind and gracious to us, to give us the power we need to live day by day while we wait to go to heaven and be with You forever, and forever.
While we are here, we also appreciate the commands You give us. They are so good for us. We can come up with many ideas, but You have given us clear instruction about what to do. So, thank You for this command, that when obeyed, leads to our being filled with Your wonderful power, the person of the Holy Spirit.
In Jesus’ name, amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
Eph 5:18 And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit,
Eph 5:18 Don’t be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, let the Holy Spirit fill and control you. NLT Version.
Some explanatory thoughts and application:
1. The Lord was telling the Ephesians, and us, what not to do in our lives. And, that is to be drunk, or intoxicated with wine.
2. The reason is because, getting drunk will ruin your life.
3. But, please notice what the Lord does say to do. Eph 5:18b Instead, let the Holy Spirit fill and control you. NLT Version.
4. When we are controlled by the Holy Spirit, we will find the Lord giving us His power in our lives.
5. His power helps us to deal with our sins, to turn away from them, and to turn to Him, and to obey Him, and to serve Him, and to find the basic power we need to live the Christian life. God's power will stimulate our souls in the right way.
6. It's helpful and interesting to note, that Eph 5:18, is not given to us in the form of a suggestion, but rather, in the form of a command. It literally means, that we are to be being filled with the Spirit. That is, each one of us, day by day, hour by hour, are to allow the Holy Spirit to control our lives. How do we do this.? Good question. One sure answer is to simply obey the promptings of the Lord, the clear things we see and read, and hear in the Word, in other words, just follow Jesus. You will find Him giving you power.
A Prayer:
Our Father who is in heaven, and helps us here on earth, we want to just pause and say that we hallow Your name, we want You to be lifted up in our lives, and we thank You for being so kind and gracious to us, to give us the power we need to live day by day while we wait to go to heaven and be with You forever, and forever.
While we are here, we also appreciate the commands You give us. They are so good for us. We can come up with many ideas, but You have given us clear instruction about what to do. So, thank You for this command, that when obeyed, leads to our being filled with Your wonderful power, the person of the Holy Spirit.
In Jesus’ name, amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
Wednesday, November 13, 2013
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE FOR THOSE SERVING THE LORD"
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE FOR THOSE SERVING THE LORD"
Revelation 2:19n“I know your works, love, service, faith, and your patience; and as for your works, the last are more than the first.
Revelation 2:19 “I know all the things you do--your love, your faith, your service, and your patient endurance. And I can see your constant improvement in all these things. NLT Version
Some explanatory thoughts and application:
1. Jesus wanted the church of Thyatira, and all of us, that He knows all the things that we do and that are going on in our lives.
2. In this case, He was letting them know, that He knew all the things they were doing in their service to Him.
3. Please notice what a great church and group of christians these were. They were working, loving, serving, believing, and being patient.
4. Also, Jesus told them, that He could also see that they were constantly improving in all of the things He saw them doing.
5. They were a well balanced church, and the believers were not standing still, but, rather, they were growing in their walk with Him.
6. This is a great model for our own lives. To have the balance listed here, and to be making progress. They were not standing still nor were they going backwards, but rather, they were moving forwards.
A prayer:
Father, It comforts us to know that You know all about our lives. ( although, there are times if we are not walking as ought, that our knowing that You know, is not comforting, but rather, it's convicting. ) But, for the purposes of this devotional we want to say thank You for knowing about our service. Thank You that You not only reward us in this life, but we are storing up treasures in heaven, and we will one day be given them by You personally. In Jesus name.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia.
Revelation 2:19n“I know your works, love, service, faith, and your patience; and as for your works, the last are more than the first.
Revelation 2:19 “I know all the things you do--your love, your faith, your service, and your patient endurance. And I can see your constant improvement in all these things. NLT Version
Some explanatory thoughts and application:
1. Jesus wanted the church of Thyatira, and all of us, that He knows all the things that we do and that are going on in our lives.
2. In this case, He was letting them know, that He knew all the things they were doing in their service to Him.
3. Please notice what a great church and group of christians these were. They were working, loving, serving, believing, and being patient.
4. Also, Jesus told them, that He could also see that they were constantly improving in all of the things He saw them doing.
5. They were a well balanced church, and the believers were not standing still, but, rather, they were growing in their walk with Him.
6. This is a great model for our own lives. To have the balance listed here, and to be making progress. They were not standing still nor were they going backwards, but rather, they were moving forwards.
A prayer:
Father, It comforts us to know that You know all about our lives. ( although, there are times if we are not walking as ought, that our knowing that You know, is not comforting, but rather, it's convicting. ) But, for the purposes of this devotional we want to say thank You for knowing about our service. Thank You that You not only reward us in this life, but we are storing up treasures in heaven, and we will one day be given them by You personally. In Jesus name.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia.
Tuesday, November 12, 2013
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE FOR THOSE WHO ARE EXPERIENCING WEAKNESS"
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE FOR THOSE WHO ARE EXPERIENCING WEAKNESS"
2nd Cor 12:7 And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure.
2nd Cor 12:8 Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me.
2nd Cor 12:9 And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
2nd Cor 12:10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
Some explanatory thoughts and application:
1. Paul was going through some suffering and weakness, because God was using this to keep him from bring lifted up in pride, and to keep him humble.
2. Paul did not like the suffering, and he asked the Lord to take it away from him, but, the Lord did not. He allowed this thorn in the flesh, this messenger of Satan to continue buffeting him.
3. What Paul did find out, is that God's grace was sufficient for him. The Lord told him the following, 2nd Cor 12:9 And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.”
4. Paul then came to realize the following 2nd Cor 12:9b Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 2nd Cor 12:10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
5. The lesson here for us, is also found in the following. 2nd Cor 12:10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
6. Additionally, we can follow Paul's example, and learn from his example. We serve the same God who sometimes allows weakness, and difficulties to remain in our lives, only to show us that His grace is sufficient to see us through, and that in our times of weakness, then He can give us His strength.
7. So, if you are weak today, weak perhaps through difficulties, satanic attacks, or some other type of situation, please remember, that God knows, and that God is able to help you with His grace, and He will give you His strength to see you through.
A prayer:
Father, Your Word never fails to teach us what we need to know, and how we can find You, and Your will for us in whatever situation we are in. Thank You for caring for us as You do. Please teach us to get to know You better, and to keep You in our minds all through the day. Help us to grow in the grace and the knowledge of Jesus Christ. Thank You for Your Word, and please give us a hunger for it, and for You as we have never had. We need You Lord. In Jesus’ name. Amen
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia.
2nd Cor 12:7 And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure.
2nd Cor 12:8 Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me.
2nd Cor 12:9 And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
2nd Cor 12:10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
Some explanatory thoughts and application:
1. Paul was going through some suffering and weakness, because God was using this to keep him from bring lifted up in pride, and to keep him humble.
2. Paul did not like the suffering, and he asked the Lord to take it away from him, but, the Lord did not. He allowed this thorn in the flesh, this messenger of Satan to continue buffeting him.
3. What Paul did find out, is that God's grace was sufficient for him. The Lord told him the following, 2nd Cor 12:9 And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.”
4. Paul then came to realize the following 2nd Cor 12:9b Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 2nd Cor 12:10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
5. The lesson here for us, is also found in the following. 2nd Cor 12:10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
6. Additionally, we can follow Paul's example, and learn from his example. We serve the same God who sometimes allows weakness, and difficulties to remain in our lives, only to show us that His grace is sufficient to see us through, and that in our times of weakness, then He can give us His strength.
7. So, if you are weak today, weak perhaps through difficulties, satanic attacks, or some other type of situation, please remember, that God knows, and that God is able to help you with His grace, and He will give you His strength to see you through.
A prayer:
Father, Your Word never fails to teach us what we need to know, and how we can find You, and Your will for us in whatever situation we are in. Thank You for caring for us as You do. Please teach us to get to know You better, and to keep You in our minds all through the day. Help us to grow in the grace and the knowledge of Jesus Christ. Thank You for Your Word, and please give us a hunger for it, and for You as we have never had. We need You Lord. In Jesus’ name. Amen
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia.
Monday, November 11, 2013
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE FOR THOSE WHO ARE SUFFERING"
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE FOR THOSE WHO ARE SUFFERING"
Heb 12:5 And you have forgotten the exhortation which speaks to you as to sons: “My son, do not despise the chastening of the LORD, Nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him;
Heb 12:6 For whom the LORD loves He chastens, And scourges every son whom He receives.”
Some explanatory thoughts and application:
1. The writer was stating that his readers had forgotten something very important about suffering.
2. They had forgotten a word of encouragement, or exhortation that speaks to them as to sons.
3. There is two parts to the exhortation, ( 1 ) As God's children, we are not to despise, or not regard the chastening, or instruction that He allows in our lives. ( 2 ) Nor are we to become discouraged by the chastening of the Lord and become discouraged when we are rebuked or being corrected by Him. That is, we are not to just start giving up when we are suffering.
4. Sometimes our Father allows suffering to discipline us, or to correct us, He loves us too much to allow us to walk in rebellion to Him.
5. The purpose of the chastening, or discipline, is to bring us to maturity in our walk with Him. "God's purpose is not or persecute us but to perfect us. Chastening is not the work of an angry judge, as he punishes a criminal. But, rather, it's the work of a loving Father as He corrects His child" Warren Wiersbe.
6. Also, sometimes, the chastening, instruction etc, comes not because we have been disobedient, but rather because we have been obedient. Think of the times when the Lord instructed His disciples to get into a boat, and go to the other side of the sea of Galilee. And, once in the boat, and out in the middle of the sea a life threatening storm came upon them, ( or so they thought) They were actually in a storm because they were following Jesus's instruction, and He was going to teach them some lessons about trusting Him
7. A final thought here is simply this. It's in the verse. See if you can see it and find it as you read along here. "Heb 12:6 For whom the LORD loves He chastens, And scourges every son whom He receives.” The suffering that He allows, the chastening, the training, etc, is actually because He LOVES YOU.
A prayer:
Father, please help us to not forget Your words of encouragement as we go through difficult times. You have a purpose in all of it. Nothing ever comes to our lives, but it has not first passed through Your hands of allowance. And You have a good purpose in mind as You instruct us. We want to remember also, that you LOVE US. And, we love You Lord.
In Jesus' name,
Amen.
Heb 12:5 And you have forgotten the exhortation which speaks to you as to sons: “My son, do not despise the chastening of the LORD, Nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him;
Heb 12:6 For whom the LORD loves He chastens, And scourges every son whom He receives.”
Some explanatory thoughts and application:
1. The writer was stating that his readers had forgotten something very important about suffering.
2. They had forgotten a word of encouragement, or exhortation that speaks to them as to sons.
3. There is two parts to the exhortation, ( 1 ) As God's children, we are not to despise, or not regard the chastening, or instruction that He allows in our lives. ( 2 ) Nor are we to become discouraged by the chastening of the Lord and become discouraged when we are rebuked or being corrected by Him. That is, we are not to just start giving up when we are suffering.
4. Sometimes our Father allows suffering to discipline us, or to correct us, He loves us too much to allow us to walk in rebellion to Him.
5. The purpose of the chastening, or discipline, is to bring us to maturity in our walk with Him. "God's purpose is not or persecute us but to perfect us. Chastening is not the work of an angry judge, as he punishes a criminal. But, rather, it's the work of a loving Father as He corrects His child" Warren Wiersbe.
6. Also, sometimes, the chastening, instruction etc, comes not because we have been disobedient, but rather because we have been obedient. Think of the times when the Lord instructed His disciples to get into a boat, and go to the other side of the sea of Galilee. And, once in the boat, and out in the middle of the sea a life threatening storm came upon them, ( or so they thought) They were actually in a storm because they were following Jesus's instruction, and He was going to teach them some lessons about trusting Him
7. A final thought here is simply this. It's in the verse. See if you can see it and find it as you read along here. "Heb 12:6 For whom the LORD loves He chastens, And scourges every son whom He receives.” The suffering that He allows, the chastening, the training, etc, is actually because He LOVES YOU.
A prayer:
Father, please help us to not forget Your words of encouragement as we go through difficult times. You have a purpose in all of it. Nothing ever comes to our lives, but it has not first passed through Your hands of allowance. And You have a good purpose in mind as You instruct us. We want to remember also, that you LOVE US. And, we love You Lord.
In Jesus' name,
Amen.
Saturday, November 9, 2013
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE FOR THOSE DEALING WITH AFFLICTIONS"
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE FOR THOSE DEALING WITH AFFLICTIONS"
Ps 119:67 Before I was afflicted I went astray, But now I keep Your word. NKJV
Note: Here's how it reads in the NLT Version
Ps 119:67 I used to wander off until you disciplined me; but now I closely follow your word.
Some explanatory thoughts and application:
1. David is sharing his heart here about affliction in his own life, and what happened to him as a result.
2. We do not know the exact nature of the affliction, but the word affliction means, to be looking down, or browbeating. It includes the idea of being humbled, troubled, and weakened. To be put down, to be downcast.
3. What David says, is that before he went through this trouble, he had gone astray, or wandered off from the Lord.
4. God in His grace, love, and mercy, brought him back into fellowship through this affliction
5. David says two things that came back into his life through this affliction, one, he kept God's Word, and two, he followed the Lord closely.
6. We don't like affliction, but, if we allow God to have His way with us when we are in an affliction, it can have the same results in us that it did in David.
7. If you have gone astray, and wandered off from the Lord, cheer up, because, He is no doubt through this affliction, wanting to draw you back to the place of obedience, i.e keeping His Word, and closely following Him.
A prayer:
Father, because we are Your Children, You care for us, and will deal with us as needed. In fact, Your dealing with us in this way, is proof that we do belong to You. You don't deal this way with those who are not yet Yours. But, You do with us. Thank You for the many, many times You have forgiven us, and received us back into fellowship with You. I'm sure we have no idea of how much You miss us when we wander away. The prodigal son's father is a good example to us of who You are. We love You.
In Jesus' name. Amen
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia.
Ps 119:67 Before I was afflicted I went astray, But now I keep Your word. NKJV
Note: Here's how it reads in the NLT Version
Ps 119:67 I used to wander off until you disciplined me; but now I closely follow your word.
Some explanatory thoughts and application:
1. David is sharing his heart here about affliction in his own life, and what happened to him as a result.
2. We do not know the exact nature of the affliction, but the word affliction means, to be looking down, or browbeating. It includes the idea of being humbled, troubled, and weakened. To be put down, to be downcast.
3. What David says, is that before he went through this trouble, he had gone astray, or wandered off from the Lord.
4. God in His grace, love, and mercy, brought him back into fellowship through this affliction
5. David says two things that came back into his life through this affliction, one, he kept God's Word, and two, he followed the Lord closely.
6. We don't like affliction, but, if we allow God to have His way with us when we are in an affliction, it can have the same results in us that it did in David.
7. If you have gone astray, and wandered off from the Lord, cheer up, because, He is no doubt through this affliction, wanting to draw you back to the place of obedience, i.e keeping His Word, and closely following Him.
A prayer:
Father, because we are Your Children, You care for us, and will deal with us as needed. In fact, Your dealing with us in this way, is proof that we do belong to You. You don't deal this way with those who are not yet Yours. But, You do with us. Thank You for the many, many times You have forgiven us, and received us back into fellowship with You. I'm sure we have no idea of how much You miss us when we wander away. The prodigal son's father is a good example to us of who You are. We love You.
In Jesus' name. Amen
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia.
Friday, November 8, 2013
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE REGARDING GOD'S HELPER (The Holy Spirit) IN YOUR LIFE"
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE REGARDING GOD'S HELPER (The Holy Spirit) IN YOUR LIFE"
John 14:26 “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.
John 15:26 “But when the Helper comes, whom I shall send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, He will testify of Me.
Some explanatory thoughts and application:
1. Jesus spoke often and in great detail about the Helper. Which by the way means, "One called alongside to help"
2. What a beautiful name that is given to the Holy Spirit, He is our helper.
3 He is sent to us by the Father in the name of Jesus, and He performs a number of ministry functions in our lives.
4. Here's a short list of some of what the Helper does in our lives. He teaches us, and reminds us the things that the Lord has said to us. That is, He will bring God's Word to our remembrance. He also will testify of Jesus to us.
5. To teach us means, to instruct us, and remember, means to call attention to, to cause us to remember, and to testify, means, bear witness, to give. And, truth, which He is called, means, what is true in things appertaining to God and the duties of man, moral and religious truth.
6. One final thought, and this is such a blessing. Listen to what God said through Paul in Ephesians 5: 18 And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit. Essentially, Paul is saying, do not allow yourselves to be controlled by wine, or become drunk, this will only lead to destruction. Don't come under the control of wine etc. But, do be being controlled, by the Holy Spirit. Let Him take control of your life day by day. How wonderful to know that the Helper will control us, and will then do all of the things and more that were mentioned above. This control takes place as we submit ourselves to Him.
A prayer:
Lord, we would like to first of all say, "Thank You" for caring for us, and for sending the Helper into our lives to Help us in our walk with You. We are not left alone as orphans, but, we have the Holy Spirit Himself, dwelling inside of us, and we can walk with Him, allowing Him to control our lives. He will not hurt us in any way, but rather help us in every way. He wants to build us up in Jesus Christ, and cause us to grow in the grace and knowledge of Christ.
We pray for our own individual lives, our family members, our church leaders, and fellow members of our own local churches where we fellowship. May the Helper come in His strength, bringing renewal, encouragement and help.
In Jesus' name, amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier.
John 14:26 “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.
John 15:26 “But when the Helper comes, whom I shall send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, He will testify of Me.
Some explanatory thoughts and application:
1. Jesus spoke often and in great detail about the Helper. Which by the way means, "One called alongside to help"
2. What a beautiful name that is given to the Holy Spirit, He is our helper.
3 He is sent to us by the Father in the name of Jesus, and He performs a number of ministry functions in our lives.
4. Here's a short list of some of what the Helper does in our lives. He teaches us, and reminds us the things that the Lord has said to us. That is, He will bring God's Word to our remembrance. He also will testify of Jesus to us.
5. To teach us means, to instruct us, and remember, means to call attention to, to cause us to remember, and to testify, means, bear witness, to give. And, truth, which He is called, means, what is true in things appertaining to God and the duties of man, moral and religious truth.
6. One final thought, and this is such a blessing. Listen to what God said through Paul in Ephesians 5: 18 And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit. Essentially, Paul is saying, do not allow yourselves to be controlled by wine, or become drunk, this will only lead to destruction. Don't come under the control of wine etc. But, do be being controlled, by the Holy Spirit. Let Him take control of your life day by day. How wonderful to know that the Helper will control us, and will then do all of the things and more that were mentioned above. This control takes place as we submit ourselves to Him.
A prayer:
Lord, we would like to first of all say, "Thank You" for caring for us, and for sending the Helper into our lives to Help us in our walk with You. We are not left alone as orphans, but, we have the Holy Spirit Himself, dwelling inside of us, and we can walk with Him, allowing Him to control our lives. He will not hurt us in any way, but rather help us in every way. He wants to build us up in Jesus Christ, and cause us to grow in the grace and knowledge of Christ.
We pray for our own individual lives, our family members, our church leaders, and fellow members of our own local churches where we fellowship. May the Helper come in His strength, bringing renewal, encouragement and help.
In Jesus' name, amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier.
Thursday, November 7, 2013
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE FOR THOSE WHO NEED FORGIVENESS"
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE FOR THOSE WHO NEED FORGIVENESS"
Daniel 9:9 “To the Lord our God belong mercy and forgiveness, though we have rebelled against Him.
Some explanatory thoughts and application:
1. Who does not need forgiveness of sin(s)?
2. Forgiveness of sins, belong to God. He is the forgiver of sins.
3. Not only does He forgive sins, but, He is merciful.
4. He forgives and is merciful to those who have rebelled against Him.
5. Forgiveness, means, to pardon, to spare. Mercy, means, to have compassion, tender love, great and tender pity.
6. These two things, forgiveness, and mercy belong to God.
7. Notice who He gives them to. "though we have rebelled against Him" Rebelled means, to revolt, to go against God, to sin.
8. Here's the truth and the promise of God for us in our rebellion and our sin. 1John 1:9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful andjust to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
To confess, means to say the same thing, to agree with another. It means that we agree with God when He speaks to us about our sin, and when we do, He forgives us, and He cleanses us. This is His promise to us.
A prayer:
Father, You are the forgiver of sins, You are the merciful God who cleanses us, and does not condemn us. How we thank you for who You are , and what You do for us. It's hard to imagine going through life, without You being so gracious to us, and cleansing us of our unrighteousness. We pray today, that we might simply bring any unconfessed sin to You, and receive Your wonderful forgiveness. Your pardon, Your mercy, Your compassion. We love You Lord, in Jesus’ name.
Pastor Bob Grenier.
Calvary Chapel Visalia
Daniel 9:9 “To the Lord our God belong mercy and forgiveness, though we have rebelled against Him.
Some explanatory thoughts and application:
1. Who does not need forgiveness of sin(s)?
2. Forgiveness of sins, belong to God. He is the forgiver of sins.
3. Not only does He forgive sins, but, He is merciful.
4. He forgives and is merciful to those who have rebelled against Him.
5. Forgiveness, means, to pardon, to spare. Mercy, means, to have compassion, tender love, great and tender pity.
6. These two things, forgiveness, and mercy belong to God.
7. Notice who He gives them to. "though we have rebelled against Him" Rebelled means, to revolt, to go against God, to sin.
8. Here's the truth and the promise of God for us in our rebellion and our sin. 1John 1:9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful andjust to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
To confess, means to say the same thing, to agree with another. It means that we agree with God when He speaks to us about our sin, and when we do, He forgives us, and He cleanses us. This is His promise to us.
A prayer:
Father, You are the forgiver of sins, You are the merciful God who cleanses us, and does not condemn us. How we thank you for who You are , and what You do for us. It's hard to imagine going through life, without You being so gracious to us, and cleansing us of our unrighteousness. We pray today, that we might simply bring any unconfessed sin to You, and receive Your wonderful forgiveness. Your pardon, Your mercy, Your compassion. We love You Lord, in Jesus’ name.
Pastor Bob Grenier.
Calvary Chapel Visalia
Wednesday, November 6, 2013
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE FOR THOSE SEEKING PEACE"
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE FOR THOSE SEEKING PEACE"
Isa 26:3 You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You.
Some explanatory thoughts and application:
1. On a personal note, this is the very first verse that I taught on, in my first pastorate in Eugene Oregon, back in about 1976-77 That church was my first and only other church. "Shiloh Christian Fellowship"
2. On an up-dated note, I have found this ( as with all of God's Holy Scripture be absolutely true )
3. Please just read the verse, and let the Lord speak to you through it's simplicity.
4. The promise here, is that God will do something if we will do something. It's a combined effort. Him and us together, and it centers around our minds and Him. And, it involves something He has given us, it's called faith, or trust.
5. God promises to keep us in perfect peace. This phrase ( perfect ) means, complete, safe, welfare, soundness, quiet, tranquility (peace) means basically the same thing. It can be understood to mean, contentment.
6. The two things that have to do with us, are keeping our minds stayed, or focused on Him, and our trusting in Him. These two also basically mean the same thing. Stayed means, to lean upon, or take hold of.
7. We do not just have to let our thoughts run wild as it were. We can bring them into subjection, by trusting God, by looking to God, and by placing or staying our thoughts upon Him. And, the result, if you will, is that He will give us peace.
A prayer:
Father, there is never a shortage of things to thank You for. But, this promise is a great one for us. Thank You for what You promise to do, give us peace. We pray that You would give us the personal resolve to trust You, and to take You at Your Word, and to put our faith into action, and we want to thank You in advance for the peace You give. In Jesus' name, amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia.
Isa 26:3 You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You.
Some explanatory thoughts and application:
1. On a personal note, this is the very first verse that I taught on, in my first pastorate in Eugene Oregon, back in about 1976-77 That church was my first and only other church. "Shiloh Christian Fellowship"
2. On an up-dated note, I have found this ( as with all of God's Holy Scripture be absolutely true )
3. Please just read the verse, and let the Lord speak to you through it's simplicity.
4. The promise here, is that God will do something if we will do something. It's a combined effort. Him and us together, and it centers around our minds and Him. And, it involves something He has given us, it's called faith, or trust.
5. God promises to keep us in perfect peace. This phrase ( perfect ) means, complete, safe, welfare, soundness, quiet, tranquility (peace) means basically the same thing. It can be understood to mean, contentment.
6. The two things that have to do with us, are keeping our minds stayed, or focused on Him, and our trusting in Him. These two also basically mean the same thing. Stayed means, to lean upon, or take hold of.
7. We do not just have to let our thoughts run wild as it were. We can bring them into subjection, by trusting God, by looking to God, and by placing or staying our thoughts upon Him. And, the result, if you will, is that He will give us peace.
A prayer:
Father, there is never a shortage of things to thank You for. But, this promise is a great one for us. Thank You for what You promise to do, give us peace. We pray that You would give us the personal resolve to trust You, and to take You at Your Word, and to put our faith into action, and we want to thank You in advance for the peace You give. In Jesus' name, amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia.
Tuesday, November 5, 2013
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT OUR LIVES NOW, AND REWARDS IN HEAVEN"
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT OUR LIVES NOW, AND REWARDS IN HEAVEN"
2Co 5:10* For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.
Some explanatory thoughts and application:
1. This verse is not talking about the Great White Throne Judgement. That is reserved for unbelievers, not for believers.
2. This judgement seat as it's called, is the Judgement seat of Christ. He will be doing the judging.
3. The purpose of this judgement is that each one of us may receive rewards for what we have done with our life in Christ, since we have become saved.
4. The words, "whether good or bad" are not speaking of things ethically, or morally evil, because Christ has already paid the price for our sins. But, rather, the word "bad" speaks of something evil of another kind. It actually means, "good-for-nothingness, or worthlessness.
5. It's not speaking of someone who has done something that was clearly wrong, but rather, it's speaking of the person who has simply wasted their days here on earth. It's speaking of not using the time we have for the Lord, but rather using it for nothing. Using our time for things that have no real value, and of being pre-occupied with non-essential activities and pre-occupations.
6. The good news, is that we can use our time wisely, and be rewarded for that wise us of time once we get to heaven. This verse, ought to bring a sobriety to our lives, and cause us to think about what we are actually doing with our lives, what are we investing our time, energy and talents into, and for.
7. It's never too late to start following Christ with all of our hearts. It's never too late to stop wasting time, and start using time for His glory.
8. Here's a great encouragement from Scripture, in Romans 13:11-12 in the NLT
Romans 13:11 This is all the more urgent, for you know how late it is; time is running out. Wake up, for our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed.
Romans 13:12 The night is almost gone; the day of salvation will soon be here. So remove your dark deeds like dirty clothes, and put on the shining armor of right living.
A prayer:
Lord, let us pursue having this urgency, and let us truly know how late it is. Time is indeed running out, Oh God, cause us, if we are asleep to wake up, and to realize how nearer our salvation is then when we first believed.
We ask for Your power and want to commit ourselves to obey what You tell us about putting out of our lives any dark and dirty deeds. May we also put on the armor of light, and live for You. In Jesus name.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
2Co 5:10* For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.
Some explanatory thoughts and application:
1. This verse is not talking about the Great White Throne Judgement. That is reserved for unbelievers, not for believers.
2. This judgement seat as it's called, is the Judgement seat of Christ. He will be doing the judging.
3. The purpose of this judgement is that each one of us may receive rewards for what we have done with our life in Christ, since we have become saved.
4. The words, "whether good or bad" are not speaking of things ethically, or morally evil, because Christ has already paid the price for our sins. But, rather, the word "bad" speaks of something evil of another kind. It actually means, "good-for-nothingness, or worthlessness.
5. It's not speaking of someone who has done something that was clearly wrong, but rather, it's speaking of the person who has simply wasted their days here on earth. It's speaking of not using the time we have for the Lord, but rather using it for nothing. Using our time for things that have no real value, and of being pre-occupied with non-essential activities and pre-occupations.
6. The good news, is that we can use our time wisely, and be rewarded for that wise us of time once we get to heaven. This verse, ought to bring a sobriety to our lives, and cause us to think about what we are actually doing with our lives, what are we investing our time, energy and talents into, and for.
7. It's never too late to start following Christ with all of our hearts. It's never too late to stop wasting time, and start using time for His glory.
8. Here's a great encouragement from Scripture, in Romans 13:11-12 in the NLT
Romans 13:11 This is all the more urgent, for you know how late it is; time is running out. Wake up, for our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed.
Romans 13:12 The night is almost gone; the day of salvation will soon be here. So remove your dark deeds like dirty clothes, and put on the shining armor of right living.
A prayer:
Lord, let us pursue having this urgency, and let us truly know how late it is. Time is indeed running out, Oh God, cause us, if we are asleep to wake up, and to realize how nearer our salvation is then when we first believed.
We ask for Your power and want to commit ourselves to obey what You tell us about putting out of our lives any dark and dirty deeds. May we also put on the armor of light, and live for You. In Jesus name.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
Monday, November 4, 2013
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE FOR THOSE WHO ARE BEING HATED, EXCLUDED AND REVILED ETC"
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE FOR THOSE WHO ARE BEING HATED, EXCLUDED AND REVILED ETC"
Luke 6:22 Blessed are you when men hate
you, And when they exclude you, And revile you, and cast out your name
as evil, For the Son of Man’s sake.
Luke 6:23 Rejoice in that day and leap
for joy! For indeed your reward is great in heaven, For in like manner
their fathers did to the prophets.
The NLT reads the above verses this way.
Luke 6:22 God blesses you who are hated and excluded and mocked and cursed because you are identified with me, the Son of Man.
Luke 6:23 “When that happens, rejoice!
Yes, leap for joy! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And
remember, the ancient prophets were also treated that way by your
ancestors.
Some explanatory thoughts and application:
1. Jesus uses the word, "Blessed", which means "Happy" to describe what we are when men hate us, exclude us and so on.
2. He then goes on to tell us why we are
blessed. And, here are the 2 reasons why. (1) It's because we have a
great reward in heaven waiting for us. (2) The prophets of old were
treated the same way.
3. An important point to consider, is
that this is because of "The Son of Man's sake". That is, the hatred,
exclusion etc, is because of our relationship to Christ, and our
standing firm in love, in His Word.
4. It's helpful to remember, that they
did the same thing to Jesus. People don't just naturally welcome and
love God's people. In fact, as stated here, they often have intense
hatred and malice towards them.
5. So, if you are doing what God has
called you to do, don't be surprised if you also experience what Jesus
talked about. But, don't forget to rejoice and leap for joy, etc.
There's a reward waiting for you. This life is not all there is to our
existence in Christ. There is the life to come. And those rewards for
what you are going through now, are safe and sound, being reserved in
heaven for you.
A prayer:
Father, Your Word is so helpful to us.
Thank You for it. We gain perspective, hope, comfort and encouragement
from it. It sets our thinking in the correct way. Thank You for caring
enough to explain things to us. Especially the more painful things of
life. We love You, and look forward to our rewards in heaven.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Saturday, November 2, 2013
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE FOR THOSE DEALING WITH CONDEMNATION"
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE FOR THOSE DEALING WITH CONDEMNATION"
John 3:17 “For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.
Some explanatory thoughts and application:
1. This verse tells us two things about Jesus. #1 what He did not come to do, and #2, what He did come to do.
2. What He did not come to do was to
condemn the world. In fact, Jesus states that the Father did not send
Him to condemn. So, The Father and the Son are not on a mission to
condemn the world. Condemn, means, to put asunder, to judge, in the
sense of giving up on someone, and wanting nothing to do with them. It's
having an ungodly opinion about someone else. Not God's opinion.
3. What Jesus did come to do, was to
save the world. He says it in 3:17, "That the world might be saved
through Him. That is, by having faith in Him. To be saved, means, to
make whole, to heal, to keep safe and sound, to rescue from danger or
destruction. To save a suffering one from perishing. To deliver from the
penalty of sin.
4. Condemnation can come from ourselves,
that is our own thoughts. It can come from others around us, and it can
come as an attack from Satan. But, one place it has not come from is
God. This is not the goal and purpose of God towards man. In fact, it's
just the opposite as noted above. God sent Jesus not to condemn, but to
save.
5. Condemnation can lead to
discouragement and to depression and hopelessness. Faith in the one who
loves You and gave His life for you can lift you up and give you
strength. Unbelief and focusing upon thoughts of condemnation, do the
same thing, they pull us down into discouragement. But, faith in God and
His Word, bring encouragement, and strength in our souls.
6. To say it another way. If you are
down and discouraged, and feeling like the worlds worst, and have lost
your joy and sense of hope, and have no spring in your step as it were.
May I encourage you to get yourself in God's Word. There is no doubt,
that He will reverse the condemnation, and bring you encouragement, and
lift you up into His peace.
7. May I also encourage you to take a
close and reflective look at a prayer that Paul prayed for the believers
in Ephesus. It's filled with what God says about You, and what God
wants to do in you. Pray this prayer for yourself. Let's believe God
together, to bring encouragement to you.
A prayer:
Ephesians 3:14 For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
Ephesians 3:14 For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
Ephesians 3:15 from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named,
Ephesians 3:16 that He would grant you,
according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might
through His Spirit in the inner man,
Ephesians 3:17 that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love,
Ephesians 3:17 that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love,
Ephesians 3:18 may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height--
Ephesians 3:19 to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
Ephesians 3:20 Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us,
Ephesians 3:20 Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us,
Ephesians 3:21 to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
Calvary Chapel Visalia
Friday, November 1, 2013
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE FOR THOSE WHO KNOW THEY NEED GOD"
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE FOR THOSE WHO KNOW THEY NEED GOD"
Mark 2:17 When Jesus heard it, He said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.”
Some explanatory thoughts and application:
1. Jesus was eating dinner with a bunch of the worst of the worst, i.e some corrupt tax collectors and other sinners.
2. In that culture when you ate with someone, it was a sign of unity, you were expressing your sense of togetherness with them.
3. The scribes, ( religious lawyers of the day ) could not understand how Jesus could have anything to do with sinners, much less eat with them, given the significance of what a meal together meant.
4. So, here's what Jesus said to them. Mark 2:17 When Jesus heard it, He said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.”
5. In essence, Jesus was saying that well people don't need a doctor, but sick people do. But, look closely if you will at the verse above, and notice the last part of the verse. Jesus came to call sinners to repentance. What does this mean. Well, first of all, Jesus did not hide the fact that people are sinners. A sinner is someone who has broken God's law. We all have sinned the Bible says. Also, Jesus is calling sinners to repentance, which means to change your mind, and turn away from your sin and turn to God.
6. Here's how a person can find the God they know they need in their lives.
(1) Realize or admit that you are a sinner. Ro 3:23* for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,
(2) Recognize that God loves You. Ro 5:8* But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
(3) Repent of your sins. Ac 3:19 “Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord,
(4) Ro 10:13* For “whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved.”
A prayer:
Father, thank You for wanting to save us from our sins. I'm praying right now for the person reading this, that if they need God to save them, they will call upon You this very day. Or that the person reading this might pass it on to someone they know who needs God in their lives to save them from their sins. This Sunday, we will most likely be in a church service (I hope you are) and, there will be people in those services that need God to save them. We pray for them right now, that they will turn to You Lord and ask You to save them from their sins. In Jesus name we ask these things.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
Mark 2:17 When Jesus heard it, He said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.”
Some explanatory thoughts and application:
1. Jesus was eating dinner with a bunch of the worst of the worst, i.e some corrupt tax collectors and other sinners.
2. In that culture when you ate with someone, it was a sign of unity, you were expressing your sense of togetherness with them.
3. The scribes, ( religious lawyers of the day ) could not understand how Jesus could have anything to do with sinners, much less eat with them, given the significance of what a meal together meant.
4. So, here's what Jesus said to them. Mark 2:17 When Jesus heard it, He said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.”
5. In essence, Jesus was saying that well people don't need a doctor, but sick people do. But, look closely if you will at the verse above, and notice the last part of the verse. Jesus came to call sinners to repentance. What does this mean. Well, first of all, Jesus did not hide the fact that people are sinners. A sinner is someone who has broken God's law. We all have sinned the Bible says. Also, Jesus is calling sinners to repentance, which means to change your mind, and turn away from your sin and turn to God.
6. Here's how a person can find the God they know they need in their lives.
(1) Realize or admit that you are a sinner. Ro 3:23* for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,
(2) Recognize that God loves You. Ro 5:8* But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
(3) Repent of your sins. Ac 3:19 “Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord,
(4) Ro 10:13* For “whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved.”
A prayer:
Father, thank You for wanting to save us from our sins. I'm praying right now for the person reading this, that if they need God to save them, they will call upon You this very day. Or that the person reading this might pass it on to someone they know who needs God in their lives to save them from their sins. This Sunday, we will most likely be in a church service (I hope you are) and, there will be people in those services that need God to save them. We pray for them right now, that they will turn to You Lord and ask You to save them from their sins. In Jesus name we ask these things.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
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